I fully understand your lack of faith, and have no argument against it

For me, there are too many variables I don't have accounted for

I have emotional reactions to the news which varies day by day; but even on "good days" I realize that I'm just spitballing

It is within the realm of possibility that trump is serious; I've spoken before "preparing the battlefield", and I can see the "possibility" that Trump's actions are within that framework, but at the same time I can see the indicators you bring up here, which point to the possibility that Trump is simply changing the boss out.

And it really doesn't matter what trump does in the long run or not; there is an angry and armed segment of the American population that bread and circuses will not appease.

From my perspective, I see "normal" conservatives take the same viewpoint arc change that I did. I see more people making the political judgments that I made 7 years ago, 5 years ago, and 2 years ago ( and quite frequently, in the same increments of thought and planning that I have). I see more organization, which to me is key.

I don't know if! they will act or not; too many variables I won't make the call on

I gotta love the zen story...

we shall see